Premiership football is taking a break this weekend (4th-5th September 2021) as the European national teams battle it out to qualify for the 2022 World Cup – and our Astrological Football Forecasts are following suit.
Forecasts will resume next weekend (11th-12th September 2021). In the meantime, I hope your favourite European team fares well in this weekend’s World Cup Qualifiers!
Unusual activity in the heavens promises an eventful Europa League final: But who will emerge the victor. Villarreal or Manchester United?
26th May 2021 will be distinguished by two events: On the pitch, the Europa League Final and in the skies, a total lunar eclipse. Considering the baleful reputation of eclipses, it is perhaps fortunate that the two events will not coincide: The eclipse occurs from 08:47 am (GMT), well before kickoff time and will not be visible from Gdansk Stadium. However, its effects will continue for some time after the event and cannot be fully ignored.
But on to the match: At the time of writing, the team favoured by the pundits is still Manchester United, although odds on Villarreal have shortened considerably since the weekend and betting on a draw is also proving increasingly popular. With no clear opinion from the betting community, what can the heavens tell us about who will lift the silverware?
In the contest chart for the match, the Moon’s placement inside the 1st house (and close enough to the house cusp to be effective), casts her vote for Manchester United. However, the degree of the recent eclipse (05 Sagittarius 25) is very near to the ascending degree, symbolically eclipsing the fortunes of the favoured team. The positive testimony of the Moon is further diluted by her proximity to the malefic South Node, a significant debility.
Jupiter (1st house ruler for favourites Manchester United) and Mercury (7th house ruler of opponents Villarreal) are both strongly placed in signs they traditionally rule: We might expect both teams to bring their ‘A’ game to what promises to be an eventful final.
But Mercury is stationing direct, about to turn retrograde. This is a serious debility in a contest chart, indicating a lack of staying power: Villarreal should be careful to pace themselves, so that they do not run out of steam before the final whistle blows. If they can stay in the game, there is promise of good fortune in Mercury’s future retrograde application to Venus (ruler of the 10th house). The 10th house and its ruler often represent victory for the favourites but aspected by Villarreal’s main significator is more likely to signify victory in general, especially as it takes place in their own house, the 7th. The Moon’s forthcoming opposition to the Part of Fortune is also a powerful testimony in their favour.
Both sides can be expected to score. Villarreal’s prospects look best if they can secure victory within the allotted 90 minutes.
Should the game venture into extra time, the result seems less certain: Following her opposition to the Part of Fortune, the Moon applies to oppose Venus (Lord 10, house of victory). In this context, the Moon’s aspect to the ruler of the 10th house represents victory for the favourites, so Manchester United’s best chances of winning will occur in extra time. This lunar aspect perfects well outside the 5-degree orb usually considered effective for a football match so if extra time is awarded, expect it to be eventful right up until the closing minutes.
Otherwise, provided Villarreal can maintain momentum, they may yet have the power to cause an upset.
Chart cast with Astrogold for Mobile
Bibliography
Sports Astrology by John Frawley
Christian Astrology by William Lilly
The pundits expect an easy win for Wolves this Sunday, but do the heavens agree?
The Moon, who as significator of events during the match often decides the outcome, favours the cause of Burnley.
She applies to trine Saturn who, already strong in his own sign of Aquarius, rules the 7th house and therefore represents the underdogs (Burnley).
The Moon also squares the Part of Fortune, another testimony for Burnley.
In the absence of any corresponding testimonies for favourites Wolves, an upset for the bookies is predicted.
Chart cast with Astrogold for Mobile
Bibliography
Sports Astrology by John Frawley
Christian Astrology by William Lilly
In contest charts, the importance of the Moon as significator of events cannot be underestimated and frequently supercedes any other role she may have for the match in question. The following chart, for this Saturday’s League One fixture between Rochdale and Gillingham, illustrates this perfectly.
The pundits predict a close match, with Gillingham (currently placed ahead of Rochdale at 23 points to 19) considered to have a slightly better chance of victory.
Even though they are the away team, favourites Gillingham are awarded the 1st house and its ruler Mars, strong in his own sign at 22 Aries 23. Their hosts Rochdale are represented by the opposing 7th house and ruler Venus, placed at 04 Sagittarius 49.
The Moon applies first to trine Fortuna: A testimony for favourites Gillingham which also holds promise of an early lead. Here, the Moon’s role as significator of events takes precedence, and her rulership of the 4th house (victory for underdogs Rochdale) is discounted. However, her next and final relevant aspect (over the usually workable orb of 5 degrees for a 90 minute football match) is a square to 7th house ruler Venus for Rochdale.
In a game expected to be as close as this, and with strong testimonies for either side, a draw cannot be ruled out of the equation. However, the Moon’s trine to Venus gives hope to Rochdale supporters that they will have even greater cause to celebrate.
NEW BLOG POST COMING SOON: How will my team fare this season? A method of astrological prediction using worked examples.
Charts calculated with Astrogold for mobile
Bibliography
Sports Astrology by John Frawley
Christian Astrology by William Lilly
On 21st October 1941, issue 58 of Detective Comics hit the newsstands: This publication, (the birthplace of Batman), would now witness the debut of one of Gotham’s most dashing and formidable villains; Oswald Cobblepot, The Penguin.
Throughout his long and chequered career, the ruthless and elegant Gentleman of Crime has escaped the pages of “Batman” comic as often as he has eluded his captors in Blackgate Pentitentary and Arkham Asylum, inspiring acclaimed portrayals both in the Batman television series and a number of forays into film. For the last five years his most recent incarnation, played by Robin Lord Taylor, has been winning new plaudits in Netflix’s Batman prequel series “Gotham”.
What can Astrology tell us about this most enigmatic of villains? To my knowledge, there is no record of Penguin consulting an astrologer but we do have a birth chart of sorts. A “Sunrise” or solar chart set for Gotham (which according to Batman lore is located in the state of New Jersey) fits the approximate time when issue 58 of Detective Comics went on sale and marks the emergence of Penguin onto the world stage. When a birth time is unknown, the ‘sunrise’ chart can tell us much about the promise and abilities of those born on the day in question, and (as might be expected) the 21st October 1941 was a day rich in potential.
On the Midheaven (signifier of public image and fame), Pluto Lord of the Underworld in regal Leo certainly fits the profile for the mobster, nightclub owner and self-styled “King of Gotham”. Chiron is here, too; often signifying someone perceived as a maverick or outsider; there are many accounts of him suffering cruelly from childhood bullying. However, this inability to ‘fit in’ served as the impetus to his ambition – for him, without doubt, the greatest revenge has always been success – on his own terms. Saturn, ruler of the 4th house (home, family and ‘roots’) is in the 8th house in Taurus, conjunct Algol: Among the many versions of Penguin’s backstory, there are numerous examples of which feature the early death of his father (4th ruler in 8th house) and his subsequent rejection by his extended family. Saturn is conjunct Uranus and Algol; in many stories, a sudden reversal of circumstances denies the young Cobblepot his inheritance and birthright, perpetrating the crisis which sets him on the path to crime. Algol is a fixed star associated with uncontrolled desires; in the 8th house (other people’s goods and resources), this seemingly limitless appetite is directed towards the property of others; be it money, real estate or jewels. Venus, the ascendant ruler in the 2nd, points to a complex connection with material goods and self-worth and also reveals his talent as a snappy dresser.
As a Libra, he works well in partnership with others and is a networker par excellance. He has been the architect of many an imaginative underworld alliance throughout his career, and (when it suits him) is not above dealing with the Caped Crusader or the GCPD if it will allow him to manipulate the balance of power to his own ends. Charming when he wants to be, under that elegant exterior beats the heart of a ruthless fighter; Mars strongly placed in Aries in the 6th house shows that he views violence as an occupational hazard, and a way to get the job done when plans call for it.
Mercury in Scorpio describes a formidable strategist, with a fascination for the hidden and the mysterious. Power, crime and the taboo are all topics which often have an irresistible allure to those with this placement, and it is nearly impossible to keep a secret from them. Mercury is retrograde, endowing him with an unusual approach to problem-solving: Whilst others flounder in chaotic circumstances, he keeps a clear head and knows how to turn the situation to his advantage. The Moon, also in Scorpio, adds a more dangerous tone to the mix. The Moon rules the emotions and is natural significator of the mother in the birth chart. With the Moon in intense Scorpio, this is a man who will never forget a slight. If you hurt his feelings or (God forbid!) his mother, there will be no forgiveness. The comic books, in particular, are full of blood-chilling accounts of the fates of those (and their friends and families) who got on the wrong side of the King of Gotham; the usual mob vendettas resemble a picnic in comparison.
“Gotham” has brought Penguin before a whole new audience of admirers, with many clamouring for a spinoff series dedicated to the Gentleman of Crime, in no small part due to Robin Lord Taylor’s mesmerising and charismatic performance. We have no birth time for Robin Lord Taylor either, but the comparison of his chart with that of Penguin’s ‘sunrise’ chart shows some intriguing links. Radical and unconventional Uranus in Scorpio (Robin Lord Taylor’s chart) is conjunct the Moon and Mercury in Penguin’s chart. Robin’s highly original and Machiavellian portrayal of the young Oswald Cobblepot has electrified viewers and, from the first, earmarked Penguin as the show’s breakout character. Furthermore, the Sun in Robin’s chart conjunct Jupiter in Penguin’s chart is a fortunate and expansive influence which has introduced them both to a whole new audience.
Some Penguin quotes (taken from the “Gotham” television series) and their astrological correspondences:
Sun in Libra : “…walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light” and “maybe its not our friends, but our enemies that define us”
Pluto in Leo conjunct the Midheaven : “Foolish arrogance led me astray. But I learned my lessons. I’ll be back, stronger and smarter than ever” and “This is Gotham City. There will always be crime. What I am offering is crime in the hands of professionals, and held to agreed upon terms”
Mercury retrograde in Scorpio “Gotham is rife with crime…who better than a criminal to clean it up?”
By Louise of Arabia www.louiseofarabia.com
Image of Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot; The Penguin from “Gotham” Series 5
“Gotham” distributed by Warner Bros Television
Batman and and the Penguin are characters published by DC Comics
“Beauty is truth, truth beauty, that is all ye know on earth and all ye need to know”: Astrology is as much art as science, and these lines written by John Keats in his beautiful, ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’ express the quintessence of this month’s 3rd quarter Moon in Libra, which occurs on 29th December 2018 at 09:34 GMT at 07 Libra 16. The Moon in this air sign, ruled by Venus, the goddess of love, is the personification of grace, elegance and poise. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn assigned the Two of Swords to the Moon in Libra; its key meanings of clarity, balance and peace describing the element of Air acting through the Sephiroth Chokmah, (meaning ‘Wisdom’) on the Tree of Life. The 3rd quarter Moon forms an exact square to the Sun at 07 Libra 16, a degree associated with the 16th Lunar Mansion, of which Christopher Warnock writes; “The recurrent theme of the scales reminds us to exercise moderation and maintain balance even in the midst of abundance”.
This month, the finer qualities of this lunar placement are hindered in their expression by a difficult reception with Venus in Scorpio, the sign of her fall and an impending square with Saturn in Capricorn, sign of the her detriment, and may require more effort to bring to the fore. Nevertheless, the waning Moon is an excellent time for reflection which, in combination with the discernment of Libra, can assist in cutting and clearing away that which no longer serves, and enable us to approach the New Year lightly and in a spirit of clarity and grace.
Astrology by Louise of Arabia www.louiseofarabia.com
Painting of the Goddess Themis by Howard David Johnson
Chart by Astrogold for Mobile
Bibliography:
The Mansions of the Moon by Christopher Warnock
The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley
Following close on the heels of the Winter Solstice, this month’s Full Moon occurs on 22nd December 2018 at 17:49 GMT at 00 Cancer 49.
In the first decan of Cancer, this degree is allied with the tarot card Two of Cups – a favourable card to which the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn attributed the astrological energies of Venus in Cancer and titled the “Lord of Love”. The card from the Rider Waite Smith deck depicts an adoring couple, toasting to their love from chalices of gold. The Two of Cups often heralds a new romance, but can signify a friendship or even a happy working partnership. It speaks of two people (or complementary elements) in complete accord. As Aleister Crowley writes, this card signifies; “perfect and placid harmony, radiating an intensity of joy and ecstasy”.
The auspicious meanings of the Two of Cups are reflected in the mostly fortunate attributes of the 8th Lunar Mansion, Al-Nathrah, which was originally located in the constellation of Cancer and of which it is written in the Picatrix; “…in this Mansion it is good to make images (talismans) for love and friendship, and for the safe travel of those who go by wagon through villages, and to cause friendship between allies”, although the it is less favourable for captives, and is also less beneficial for mice and bugs, who can be expelled from ‘whatever place you wish’ under the influence of this Mansion. Just as a strong and well placed Moon can often denote fame and popularity in a Natal chart, or the potential for a favourable outcome in Horary and contest charts, the Moon in this Mansion can augur victory or the attainment of a cherished goal.
The Moon is in her own sign in Cancer, making this Full Moon particularly powerful for manifesting any goals relating to a harmonious home and family, promoting love and reconciliation in relationships and working on personal attraction, glamour and brilliance. Those with the sign of the Crab prominent in their charts, and particularly those with key planets or angles in the early degrees of the sign, may find this Full Moon particularly magical.
Following on from the Full Moon, the next lunar aspect is an opposition with Saturn in Capricorn. With Saturn and the Moon both so strongly dignified, this aspect may not be as challenging as usually expected and could even contain the potential to translate the inspirational, visionary qualities of the Moon into concrete results (although not without some Capricorn diligence and hard work). Expansive Jupiter in his own sign of Sagittarius underscores the meanings of the Two of Cups by highlighting the joy and generosity of the Yuletide season, his influence magnified by the Full Moon in Cancer, the sign of Jupiter’s exaltation . Providing we remain mindful that Mercury is still in the sign of his detriment and ensure we attend to words and details with care, this month’s Full Moon marks a hopeful start to the Astrological season of Winter and promising outlook to the New Year.
By Louise Of Arabia www.louiseofarabia.com
Chart calculated by AstroGold for Mobile
Bibliography
“The Book of Thoth” : Aleister Crowley
“The Mansions of the Moon” : Christopher Warnock
“The Picatrix” (Liber Atratus Edition) : Trans. by John Michael Greer and Christopher Warnock
This month’s first quarter Moon makes an exact square to the Sun from the degree of 23 Pisces 27 on 15th December at 11:49 am GMT and occurring in the 28th Lunar Mansion, known in Arabic as “Batn al-Hut”: The Belly of the Fish. As might be expected from the last in the cycle, this Lunar Mansion carries with it associations with gathering-in of the harvest and reaping the results of work that has gone before.
The 9th century grimoire of astrological magic “Picatrix” incorporates references to the correspondences of Pisces, Venus (who is exalted in this sign, and Mars (who rules the decan most closely allied to this Mansion, when it says; “make images (talismans) to increase merchandise, besiege cities, increase harvests, to get rid of things and to destroy an area, to make treasures be lost, to travel safely by wagon and safely return, to cause peace and concord between man and wife, to make the incarceration of captives firm and to inflict evil on sailors on the sea”.
The primary image of this Mansion is a giant fish, swimming amongst a shoal of its smaller fellows, whilst fishermen cast their nets to harvest the abundance of the sea. The fish is a creature of the water from which all life springs (the symbol for Pisces is believed to have originated from the Babylonian zodiac, where the two fishes were associated with the goddesses Annunitum and Simmah, who symbolised the rivers Tigris and Euphrates), hence its association with material and spiritual sustenance. The name Annunitum is believed to have been closely associated with Ishtar, the Babylonian Venus. The 28th Mansion was originally marked by stars in the constellation Andromeda, which according to Ptolemy is of the nature of Venus. Additionally, Venus is exalted in this mansion (at 27 degrees Pisces) and is herself traditionally a bringer of love, wealth and the finer things in life. Her Hindu counterpart, Lakshmi, is the goddess of beauty, wealth and prosperity: In Hindu culture, a wife may traditionally be referred to as ‘the Lakshmi of the house’ and is considered to have the power to attract wealth and prosperity into the home.
In the Chinese practice of Feng Shui, fish are believed to bring wealth-luck – not to excess, but enough to live happily and without worry. A tank of goldfish or koi carp, (or an image depicting them) can often be seen in Chinese places of business to draw in prosperity.
Water is also symbolically the realm of mystery and spirituality; the Bible relates how Jesus by the lake of Gennesaret exhorted Simon, James and John to become ‘fishers of men’ (Luke 5:1), there is also reference to the miracle of the feeding of the multitude with five loaves and two fishes (Matthew 14:13) and the tale of Jonah who was swallowed by a giant fish and released only when he repented for reneging on the task set for him by God (Jonah 1:11): The themes of abundance, gratitude and the obligation to nourish the self and others, both materially and spiritually, are all contained within the 28th Lunar Mansion and also within the tarot card linked with the final decan of Pisces; the 10 of Cups.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn called the Ten of Cups “The Lord of Perfected Success”: Mars acting through Pisces supplies the will and drive to turn inspiration into reality. The famous Rider Waite Smith deck depicts a scene of domestic contentment overarched by a miraculous rainbow – combined images of material and spiritual happiness, and a message that we should not ignore one in favour of the other. There is a Buddhist tale of a giant fish who was so enamoured with the beauty of his wife that he failed to see the fisherman’s net until he had swum into it and was caught. His life was saved by an enlightened man who told him; “You foolish fish! If I had not seen you today, you would have been killed. Your blind desire was leading you to continued suffering. From now on, do not let yourself be trapped by your own desires!”.
By Louise Of Arabia www.louiseofarabia.com
Chart by Astrogold for mobile
Bibliography:
The Holy Bible (KJV)
The Mansions of the Moon (Christopher Warnock)
The Picatrix : Liber Atratus Edition (trans. John Michael Greer and Christopher Warnock)
The Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology (Vivian E. Robson)
Tarot and Astrology (Corrine Kenner)
Parker’s Astrology (Julia and Derek Parker)
“It is necessary for the archer to become, in spite of himself, an unmoved center. Then comes the supreme and ultimate miracle: art becomes “artless”,…the end a beginning, and the beginning perfection.” (Zen and the Art of Archery)
This month’s Dark Moon on 7th December 2018 at 07:20 GMT occurs in the 20th Lunar Mansion, whose Tropical boundaries range from 04 Sagittarius 17 to 17 Sagittarius 08. According to Christopher Warnock, in his book “The Mansions of the Moon”, this lunar mansion goes by the Arabic name Al-Na’am; “The Beam” and was originally located in the foreleg of the constellation Sagittarius, the centaur/archer; hence the association of this mansion with the concepts of hunting a quarry, aiming for a target and embarking on a quest. Making alliances, and all actions taken to contain and restrict the malevolence of chaotic and aggressive forces also fall under the remit of this Lunar Mansion. The common theme is mastery of the self, concentrated and focused effort directed at a much-desired goal.
The Dark Moon when located here counsels us to turn our gaze away from the target and reflect instead on mastery of the self, the better to improve our concentration and focus: “Fundamentally the marksman aims at himself and may even succeed in hitting himself.” (from Zen and the Art of Archery)
The exact degree of December’s Dark Moon (when the Moon is exactly conjunct the Sun) is 15 Sagittarius 07. This occurs in the second decan of Sagittarius which is ruled by the Moon and corresponds (in the system of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn) to the tarot card the Nine of Wands. When designing this card for the famous Rider Waite tarot deck, the talented and visionary Pamela ‘Pixie’ Colman Smith chose to depict a battle-weary warrior steadfastly defending a barricade or blockade.
Although the boundaries of the 20th Lunar Mansion overlap but do not exactly match the limits of the decan the tarot image from the Rider Waite deck is very much in keeping with its attributions: The soldier is the embodiment of self-contained strength, the barrier he guards keeps the forces of chaos at bay. The changeable influence of the Moon, ruler of this decan can also be observed; our warrior knows that the situation is in a permanent state of flux (as Aleister Crowley observes in relation to this card; “Change is Stability”): The peace may be shattered at any moment and he must be constantly on the alert against hostile forces, whether they attack from without or undermine from within.
Just prior to this month’s Dark Moon (when the Moon conjuncts the Sun at 15 Sagittarius 07), the Moon separates from a tense and emotional square aspect with Mars and Neptune in Pisces (at 13 Pisces 33 and 13 Pisces 44 respectively) and following the conjunction with the Sun moves on to apply to a trine with retrograde Uranus in Aries (28 Aries 59): Conflict and confusion are left behind, and following the reflective period of the Dark Moon there lies the possibility of a sudden, potentially positive breakthrough. If we, like the warrior or the archer, counsel ourselves to remain in a state of disciplined focus and alertness, we will be better placed to make the best of the coming revelations and opportunities, whether they manifest on a worldwide or individual level.
By Louise Of Arabia www.louiseofarabia
Chart calculated with Astrogold for Mobile
Image of the 9 of Wands Tarot Card from the Rider Waite deck (artist: Pamela Colman Smith)
Bibliography:
“The Mansions of the Moon” by Christopher Warnock
“36 Faces – the History, Astrology and Magic of the Decans” by Austin Coppock
“The Book of Thoth (Egyptian Tarot)” by The Master Therion (Aleister Crowley)
“O you, most beautiful of women, loveliest of God’s creatures, you were the best loved. So I want you to be my best piece of work too…”
With these words, Jean Cocteau began work on three murals dedicated to the Virgin Mary which adorn the walls of one of London’s hidden treasures, the chapel of Our Lady of France in Soho.
A church has stood on the site since 1865, when a distinctive circular building (which originally housed a tourist attraction called Burford’s Panorama) was purchased and rededicated by the local French Catholic community. All but destroyed during the Battle of Britain, temporary repairs kept the church operational until 1953, when work was able to begin on a complete rebuild. In addition to the eclectic mix of artists and architects who donated their talents to the project, key events in the restoration show some astrological alchemy at work.
In astrological terms, the laying of the foundation stone (or cornerstone) marks the ‘birth’ of a new building: An astrological chart for this event can be read in a similar manner to a natal horoscope. In the case of Our Lady of France, we have a date, 31st May 1953, but no time. Nevertheless, the chart set for noon has much to reveal.
Saturn is very strongly placed in Libra (20 Libra 59), the sign of his exaltation. There is nothing temporary about a place of worship: Sacred buildings are designed to withstand the ages, so a strong Saturn (natural ruler of longevity) is an excellent sign. Saturn also rules boundaries, walls and – by extension – architecture: Strongly placed as he is here, Saturn lends his strength to the chapel and fortifies against further damage from man or time. The exaltation of Saturn might be viewed as referring to the heavenly purpose of the chapel. Furthermore, in an exact description of the building’s restoration to former glory, Saturn is retrograde.
Saturn is closely conjunct the fixed star Spica (Libra 22); the most benefic star in the heavens. Cornelius Agrippa writes of Spica’s efficacy in protective talismans “it conferreth riches, and maketh one overcome contentions, it taketh away scarcity and mischief” and Shakespeare might have been describing Spica when he wrote of “an ever-fixed mark, That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wand’ring bark”. A bright star in the constellation Virgo, Spica is closely associated with the Virgin Mary, both as Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”), guiding light for lost souls and also in her aspect as the New Eve, personification of the Spring, hope, renewal and redemption.
Neptune (21 Libra 22) conjunct both Saturn and Spica continues the theme of incarnation and redemption; the chapel as a spiritual ideal given material form (as well as faith as a means to transcend our earthly existence).
The restored
building was reconsecrated on 6th October 1955 (an event which might be viewed as similar in spiritual intent and importance to a Christening). No time has been found, but the chart set for noon shows Venus closely conjunct Spica, beautifully depicting the New Eve and her message of redemption described in the previous ‘foundation stone’ chart. Venus, natural ruler of art and creativity is also dispositor of the Arabian Part of Fame (25 Libra 51) . Not only is the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of France, it is also famed for the beautiful artworks created in homage to her.
Are all these astrological synchronicities a coincidence or something more? Traditionally, electional astrologers were often employed to determine auspicious times for the construction of important buildings, but whether astrology or divine inspiration was at work in the construction of the chapel of Our Lady of France may always remain a mystery.
What is clear, however, is that the astrological songlines established by the foundation and consecration of the new chapel were still very much in evidence years later and that Jean Cocteau was very receptive to their music.
Between 3rd and 11th November 1959, Cocteau would arrive at the chapel at around 10 am every morning. A celebrated artist (also poet, cinematographer and playwright), he worked behind a temporary screen, shielded from the considerable media attention his presence attracted. Each morning, he would light a candle and begin painting, talking to the Virgin Mary as he worked.
Grace. Beauty. Most loved. To astrologers, Cocteau’s words might also evoke the planet Venus, who was certainly making her presence known at the time Cocteau was painting his murals. On 3rd November Venus was in Virgo (sign of the Virgin), at 23 degrees 53, closely trine Cocteau’s natal ascendant at 23 Taurus 22.
On 8th November, transiting Venus exactly conjuncts Cocteau’s natal Moon at 28 Virgo 16, before moving into her own sign of Libra as Cocteau was finishing his work on the murals. Venus being Cocteau’s ruling planet, he would have been particularly receptive to the harmonious influence of his muse at this time.
“O you, most beautiful of women, loveliest of God’s creatures, you were the best loved. So I want you to be my best piece of work too…”
Did astrology, artistry, divine inspiration or a combination of all three bring Cocteau’s murals into being? An opportunity to visit the little chapel of Our Lady of France is not to be missed, and is a chance for each visitor to wonder for themselves about the mysterious alchemy which led to their creation.
Transits to the Moon are a particularly personal influence for Sun-sign Cancerians: Can you see Cocteau’s self-portrait in this mural?
Credits: Cornelius Agrippa “Three Books of Occult Philosophy”
Shakespeare Sonnet 116
Photograph of Jean Cocteau by Cecil Beaton
Charts created with Astrogold for Mobile
ASTROLOGY BY LOUISE OF ARABIA 